Class of 2023 LAPS Foundation scholarship recipients. Photo by Jessica Booton Photography
By Jenny McCumber
Executive Director
LAPS Foundation
Los Alamos High School released information about local scholarships for graduating seniors this month. Many organizations in the community offer scholarships to support our local graduates. A variety of scholarships is available to all students, not just those with top grades. Many scholarships are for students seeking other pathways besides college as well.
Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation awards several scholarships to graduating seniors each year. The Foundation’s scholarships are based on community service and career technical pathways. Students receiving LAPS Foundation scholarships select an Educator of Distinction from their years at Los Alamos Public Schools who is recognized along with the student.
The Foundation also administers many additional scholarships for Los Alamos High School graduating seniors on behalf of our community, including:
The Irene Boone Memorial Scholarship is a need-based scholarship awarded to two graduating seniors through the generosity of long-time resident and pediatrician, Dr. Irene Boone and her husband, Zanas “Slim” Boone. Two scholarships of $3,000 are awarded and each scholarship is renewable for 3 additional years if the student remains enrolled and shows progress towards a degree or certificate completion.
The Sophia Feldman Memorial Scholarship is in memory of Sophia Feldman, a Los Alamos High School student who passed away in September 2019. Four $3,000 scholarships will be awarded this year to students who have participated in mentoring, anti-bullying, social justice, or related activities, with preference given to students who are active in the LAHS Hilltalkers Speech/Debate, LAHS Choir, dance, or Olions clubs. Financial need will also be considered.
The Larry Baca Memorial Scholarship is in memory of longtime coach Larry Baca. One $500 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior who has participated in track or cross country and demonstrates the qualities Coach Baca modeled: humility, determination, sportsmanship and good citizenship.
The June and Harry Ettinger Memorial Scholarship is a $3,500 scholarship to a graduating senior based on their essay about a book that added to their understanding of the human condition or enhanced their life. This scholarship is awarded in memory of longtime Los Alamos residents June and Harry Ettinger and honors June’s avid love of reading.
The Kristin Kosiewicz Substance Abuse Awareness Scholarship is in memory of Kristin Kosiewicz, a 1993 graduate of Los Alamos High School, who tragically passed away on September 26, 2021 from an accidental drug overdose. This year the scholarship will be two $2,000 awards for graduating seniors based on their essay about the negative impacts of substance abuse. The purposes of the scholarship are to honor Kristin’s life and also to raise awareness and help young people avoid the dangers of accidental overdose throughout their lives so that no family has to endure the pain of losing a loved one in this way. Click here to learn more or to make a donation to this scholarship.
The Ross and Lola Ramsey Memorial Scholarship is in memory of two long time teachers at Los Alamos High School who created the Olions theater program, managed the civic auditorium (now Duane Smith Auditorium) and began Topper Revue, the yearly talent show at LAHS. One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who participated as a performer or behind the scenes in theater or musical performances and was involved in the Olions Club during high school. Preference will be given to students who are planning a career in the performing arts. Click here to learn more or to make a donation to this scholarship.
Scholarship applications are due on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 (except for the June and Harry Ettinger Memorial Scholarship application which is due on March 9, 2024). Seniors who wish to apply can go to https://lapsfoundation.com/apply-for-a-scholarship/ and apply online. If you have questions or need assistance, contact LAPS Foundation at 505.500.6501.
About LAPS Foundation
The Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that helps the local school district provide an extraordinary education for Los Alamos students. The Los Alamos community has given over $2 million to fund opportunities students and teachers would not have otherwise. To learn more about LAPS Foundation and how to get involved and/or make a donation, visit lapsfoundation.com or call 505.500.6501. Donations to LAPS Foundation, a 501(C)(3) organization, are tax-deductible.